| How can I test the communication between my computer and the ARTS?
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You can use HyperTerminal (or any other terminal emulator) to communicate with the ARTS2. Try this:
1 - Power off the ARTS, but leave it connected to the PC
2 - Run Hyperterminal, set it for 38k4 n81.
3 - power on the ARTS
4 - Immediately send a few CR's (press ENTER a few times)
5 - watch for a response from the ARTS, and the ARTS should stop beeping at this point
6 - Type a lowercase z. This will tell the ARTS2 to sound a series of tones from the buzzer.
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| I cannot get my ARTS to communicate with my computer. Any hints?
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| When you apply power to the ARTS, it first checks to see if it is connected to a computer (running DataAnalyzer). If it does not see a computer, then it assumes it is going to go for a ride and enters “flight mode”. This transition to flight mode is announced by the series of ascending tones. Once in flight mode, the ARTS stops looking for DataAnalyzer and is only looking for launch. So, *BEFORE* you power up the ARTS, DataAnalyzer must be running, and configured with the correct serial port. Once you hear the ascending tones, then DataAnalyzer will not be able to connect to the ARTS, and you need to power off the ARTS and reapply power.
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| I am running the 64bit version of Windows, and the DataAnalyzer installer does not work. How can I load DataAnalyzer?
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The installer program is what is failing. DataAnalyzer will indeed run on your 64 bit version of Windows, but you will need to install it manually. Here's how:
1 - Download DataAnalyzer without the installer here.
2 - Unzip DataAnalyzer into a suitable directory.
3 - Run DataAnalyzer by double clicking on DataAnalyzerV1.6.exe (it may be helpful to add a desktop shortcut to this file).
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| My new laptop does not have a serial port, only USB ports. How can I hook up the ARTS2 to my computer?
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Most new computers do not include serial ports. You will need to get a USB->Serial adapter. Just about any USB->Serial cable will work. Be aware, though, that some were developed VERY cheaply, and the drivers are usually what suffers in quality. The adapter I typically use is available from CablesForLess for $19.00 and can be found here:
http://www.cablesforless.com/p-951-usb-to-db9-adapter.aspx
It works fine for both my XP and Vista machines.
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| What is the correct checksum for the downloaded firmware files?
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ARTS1 fw v1.61: 0x3BD9
ARTS2 fw v1.61: 0xCE1A
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| Does DataAnalyzer work with Windows Vista?
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Yes! The only issue with Vista is that Microsoft changed the way that Serial Ports are enumerated. As such, DataAnalyzer cannot find the computer's serial ports. To get around this, you need to set the serial port in DataAnalyzer's .ini file. Do this:
Open the file C:\Program Files\Ozark Aerospace\DataAnalyzer for ARTS2\DataAnalyzerV1.6.INI in a text editor. Change the COMPort=COM2 line to COMPort=COM4 (note no colon after the port name). Of course, replace COM4 with whichever COM port the ARTS will be connected to.
DataAnalyzer 1.6 will open the specified port upon startup.
If the .ini file is not listed, look for a button above the directory listing that is labeled "Compatibility Files". Click that button and Explorer will show you the listing of the .ini file. You can then right-click on it and select "Edit".
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| I've downloaded a new firmware version and have gotten DataAnalyzer to work. How to I get the new firmware into my ARTS?
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Once you have DataAnalyzer up and running, and talking with the altimeter, from the main menu select Altimeter->Diagnostics. Make sure the comm. light is green. Then, from the Altimeter Diagnostics window's menu, select Advanced->Upload Firmware. You will then be prompted for a filename. Select the new firmware file. DataAnalyzer will then use that file to program the altimeter.
Remember to use a FRESH battery, as the programming process requires a bit more current than normal operation.
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| This Diagnostics is reporting: Sw1:on Sw2:off Boom 1: Bad Boom 2: Bad What does "Bad" mean?
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| “Bad” just means that the ARTS is not detecting any e-match attached to that channel, *OR* if there is an e-match hooked up, then that e-match is bad. Hook one up, and the diag screen will tell you that it is ok.
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| Can I use the ARTS safely to xxK feet?
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| Yes. The ARTS deploys the apogee charge based on the measurements from its accelerometer, so it does not have an altitude ceiling.
The barometric sensor, however, is only guaranteed up to 35k feet. Above that, you may max out the sensor. If this happens, then you will see a flat line on DataAnalyzer's barometric altitude curve. When the rocket descends down below the barometeric sensor's maximum, the sensor will function normally and deploy your mains correctly. |
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| I just bought my ARTS Flight Computer. What should I do to get started? |
| Thank you for your purchase. We're confident you'll be happy with it. Please read the user manual carefully and completely before using the ARTS and we highly recommend gaining some flight experience by using the ARTS with a backup altimeter, or for data collection only, before going "solo" with it. An ARTS user forum e-mail list has been set up for you to talk to other ARTS users. To subscribe, send a message to imailsrv@lokiresearch.com with "subscribe arts " as the message body. |
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| Is there a way to talk to other ARTS users?
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| Yes! An ARTS user forum e-mail list has been set up for you to talk to other ARTS users. To access the forum, please go to http://mx.blastzone.com/mailman/listinfo/arts to see instructions.
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| How do I buy an ARTS? |
| You can buy an ARTS or other Ozark Aerospace products directly from OzarkAerospace.com or from one of our dealers. Simply click on the "Products" link above to buy direct, or click the "Where to Buy" link above for a current list of dealers. |
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| Can the ARTS be upgraded? |
| Yes! The ARTS Flight Computer uses a special design that allows updates to be applied by end users. This allows us to improve the product even after you buy it. |
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What is the range of the telemetry system?
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The
telemetry range, as quoted by the radio module manufacturer, is “up to 20 miles”.
Please see http://www.maxstream.net/products/xstream/oem-rf-module.php
then click on “Specifications”.
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